But we are getting ahead of ourselves. After the swimming was done, we had Monday off. So we met up with Howie and Julie at the cycling venue to get a sense of the race course. Despite all of the warnings that the 20k was going to be challenging, they didn't quite explain the size of the hill the cyclists would have to climb twice. I think it was good to not be surprised by the hill, but Cheryl said she dreamed about it that night.
After the training ride, Molly and I headed to the pool while everyone else went to the Living Donor ceremony. This is usually a very uplifting life affirming affair. However, for some reason, the general consensus was that it was little low key and somber. Perhaps it was the locations (the Sailors and Soldiers Memorial) or a the poor sound system. In either case, it was time for an uplifting dinner.
It just so happens that Cindy, the woman who works behind the counter at Hong Kong (our neighborhood Chinese restaurant) grew up in Pittsburgh.
As a matter of fact, her mother still owns a very popular take-out restaurant in the suburbs. Before departing, I stopped by Hong Kong and asked Cindy about good places to find Chinese (food to Molly) in Pittsburgh. Besides her mother's place, she recommend the Golden Palace, for closer to authentic dim sum. With Google map directions cross-checked against the telephone book map, we found the Golden Palace on the first try. When we arrived, the only other guests were a large group taking up three tables having celebratory dinner. After the grandmotherly woman behind the counter saw Molly and we explain to the hostess we were visiting on the recommendation of Cindy our dining experience was exceptional (although we were instructed to scold Cindy for not visiting the last time she was in Pittsburgh). Molly was given a special treat of bubble tea and we concluded a great meal with Molly ringing the ceremonial gong in the middle of the restaurant [Grammy, if you email the gong picture, we will post it here].
The next morning came very early. We loaded the Pilot with Cheryl, her bike, Molly, Doug, John, his bike, and his wife Steph and headed for North Park. After meeting up with Howie and Julie and Grammy and Grandpa, we set up the Team Iowa base camp. For this Games, Team Iowa permitted sport specific uniforms, including custom cycling jerseys. Donning their black and white jerseys Team Iowa jerseys, Cheryl, John, and Howie looked ready to compete.
Unfortunately for us spectators, neither event was conducive to watching much of the race. Since the 20k was two laps we were able to hike up part of the hill and cheer on the athletes for two laps before hustling to the finish. John and Howie did very well, but both are in competitive age groups.
Cheryl dominated once again. She was the third fastest women in both events, taking the gold in 5k time trial and 20k criterium for her age group. The festivities concluded with a Team Iowa dinner and the closing ceremonies (although Molly and I passed on the ceremonies and opted for another trip to the pool). As was expected by many, Madison, Wisconsin will host the 2010 Transplant Games. So start making your plans.
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